U.S. Factory-Sector Activity Hits Six-Year High

Manufacturing activity in the U.S. reached a six-year high in August, with factories continuing to register a big rise in sales and boosting hiring in response.

The Institute for Supply Management said Friday its index of factory activity rose to 58.8 in August from 56.3 in July, hitting the highest level since April 2011. A reading above 50 indicates sector expansion, as measured by factors such as sales, output and hiring.